I heard the sad news that the saxophone giant, Michael Brecker had died of cancer. Nicole dedicated a CLLN Music Club post to him on Saturday, but I wanted to share my feelings.

I have a heavy heart with this news. He was one of my all-time heroes and influenced my playing and many other saxophonists in so many ways. I started the CLLN Music Club for a variety of reasons, but I never thought it would give me the opportunity to share that admiration directly with Michael.

On May 31, 2006, I posted a clip of his miraculous playing and that's when I found out that he had cancer. To my surprise, he emailed me almost immediately:

Dear John,

Thanks for the video and kind words on C&L.
I really appreciate it-and it helps me in my current physical state.
I'm getting a bit stronger every day...and even playing a bit in my basement.

I'm also greatly enjoying C&L!!
Keep up the great work and thanks again,

From your fan,
Michael Brecker